Samsung’s Tab A series consistently delivers affordable Android tablets, but choosing between the Tab A7 Lite and the Tab A8 10.5 (2021) requires a closer look. While both aim for the budget-conscious user, they diverge in chipset choice and overall performance, impacting everything from everyday tasks to light gaming. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which tablet best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tab A7 Lite’s MediaTek Helio P22T, making it more responsive for multitasking and demanding applications, despite both sharing the same 15W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 27 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 18 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends | - |
| Dimensions | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- More portable due to its smaller 8.7-inch display.
- Generally more affordable.
- Sufficient for basic tasks like reading and web browsing.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the A8.
- Less suitable for multitasking or demanding applications.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Superior performance thanks to the Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset.
- Larger 10.5-inch display for enhanced productivity and media consumption.
- More responsive user experience.
- Slightly less portable than the A7 Lite.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy use.
- Generally a bit more expensive.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.5-inch displays, but the internal components driving them aren't detailed in the provided data. However, considering the A8's positioning, it likely benefits from slightly better color reproduction and brightness. The A7 Lite’s smaller size (8.7-inch) results in a higher pixel density, potentially offering a sharper image, but this is offset by the A8’s larger viewing area. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, reflecting their budget nature. Without specific panel technology details, it’s difficult to assess features like refresh rate or HDR support.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and detailed camera specs are absent. It’s safe to assume both feature basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Any differences in sensor size or image processing will likely be minimal and overshadowed by the limitations of the overall camera system. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the A8’s Unisoc T618 likely offers slightly better image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab A8 10.5’s Unisoc Tiger T618 utilizes a 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, a significant architectural upgrade over the Tab A7 Lite’s MediaTek Helio P22T (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the A8 offer substantially improved single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the A8’s architecture translates to smoother multitasking and better handling of graphically intensive applications. The A7 Lite will struggle with demanding games, while the A8 offers a more playable experience, though still limited by its integrated GPU.
Battery Life
Both tablets utilize 15W wired charging, meaning charging speeds will be comparable. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the A8’s larger screen size and more powerful chipset will likely result in slightly shorter battery life under heavy use. However, for typical usage – web browsing, video streaming – the difference will be minimal. The A7 Lite’s smaller display and less demanding processor may offer a slight edge in longevity for lighter users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if portability is paramount and your usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light reading. Its smaller form factor makes it ideal for travel. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize a more fluid user experience, occasional gaming, and a larger display for enhanced productivity and media consumption. The A8’s chipset offers a significant performance advantage for a relatively small price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the Tab A8 10.5 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Unisoc T618 is a capable chip, it's not designed for hardcore gaming. Expect some thermal throttling during prolonged, graphically intensive games. However, it should handle casual gaming and moderate use without overheating, unlike some higher-powered chips in less well-cooled devices. The 12nm process node contributes to reasonable thermal efficiency.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio P22T and the Tiger T618 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The A8’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, making app launching, web page loading, and general navigation feel much smoother and more responsive compared to the A7 Lite. While the A7 Lite is adequate for basic tasks, the A8 offers a more fluid and enjoyable user experience.
❓ Can either tablet be used with a Samsung S Pen?
Neither the Tab A7 Lite nor the Tab A8 10.5 officially supports the S Pen out of the box. While you might be able to use a third-party stylus, full S Pen functionality (like air commands) is not guaranteed. Samsung typically reserves S Pen support for its higher-end tablets.
